So what if she's my sister-in-law? You seduced me first.

Ning Yu had been imprisoned ever since she was brought back to the palace. Standing on this viewing tower, looking at the vast and beautiful night view, she felt that even the air she breathed was sweet and refreshing, and she couldn't help but stay a little longer.

"Who's there? Come out."

The flickering firelight rushed in, instantly illuminating the empty observation deck. Ning Yu heard patrolling soldiers coming up to check, and immediately slipped into the shadows.

"That's strange, I think I just saw a figure?"

"Are you drunk? Who comes to this place in the middle of the night? Stop looking and come over here for another drink with me."

The guard immediately jumped down with his sword, smiling as he took the wine jug. "His Majesty is hosting a banquet for his ministers tonight, and we on duty are also enjoying ourselves. This wine is truly delightful."

"The palace gave out quite a bit of money this year, so we can have a peaceful New Year. After I finish my shift, I'll have to go back and buy incense for my wife to offer to the Buddha."

The sounds of laughter and chatter faded into the distance. Ning Yu emerged from the shadows, glanced at the magnificent and bustling night view of the palace, and slowly walked down, lifting her skirt.

Her skirt fluttered as she swept up the steps. After walking for an unknown amount of time, her long, steady breaths became a little erratic. She stopped, supporting her belly, and leaned against the railing to catch her breath.

Perhaps it's because I haven't been eating enough oily food lately, and spending all day in that side hall has made my physical condition much worse.

After resting for a while, Ning Yu quickly walked down the corridor. Just as she was about to reach the bottom, she suddenly heard footsteps outside. She frowned, quickly grabbed the railing, and jumped down, hiding in a shady corner of the wall under the corridor.

Qingfeng lowered his head and pushed open the door. When Ning Yu saw him, her heart sank. Then, she saw the dog emperor walking in from behind.

He wore a dark black brocade robe, covered by a mink cloak, with white fox fur framing his elegant and noble face. With a slight glance, his eyes looked over with the chilling majesty of an emperor.

She immediately held her breath, pressed her body against the wall, and dared not utter a sound.

Why would he be here at this hour if he's not at the military parade?

"Let's go up and take a look."

A gentle breeze responded and stepped onto the circular staircase. It moved so fast that Ning Yu didn't even see it before it was up there.

She dared not move; if she moved even slightly, the dog emperor would surely notice.

Silence reigned all around. The biting winter wind brushed against my face, and the breeze swept away quickly. "Nobody's here."

There was no movement outside, so Ning Yu didn't dare to peek out. She didn't hear the palace gates being locked or any footsteps. She straightened her back and pressed herself against the wall, trying to keep her breathing as still as possible.

She didn't want to argue or fight with him; it was better to just stay silent and not talk to each other.

The thought had barely crossed her mind when a pair of black boots suddenly appeared before her. She froze, looking up to see a man standing silently before her like a ghost.

The two stared directly into each other's eyes, and Ning Yu felt her breath catch for a moment, and she walked without making a sound.

Xie Xun looked at her with his eyes lowered. It had only been a few days, but it felt like years had passed. His narrow eyes swept over her eyebrows, nose, and mouth, and his throat bobbed slightly.

Ning Yu calmed herself down and saw him leaning forward to walk further inside. She frowned, lifted her foot, and stepped past him, wanting to leave this secluded place.

Her waist was suddenly gripped, and he leaned down and pressed down on her, their bodies almost touching.

"Where are we going?"

Ning Yu's body trembled involuntarily, and she instinctively placed her hand on his chest. Before she could say anything, he tightened his grip on her waist, pressing her into his arms without any gap.

The moment the two pressed together, Xie Xun felt his bones go numb and he couldn't help but want to embed her into his flesh and blood.

She's lost weight. Before she was kept in Changxin Palace, she was plump, with a waist so thin he felt he could snap it in two. Did those damned servants skimp on her food too?

A shadow crossed Xie Xun's eyes as he glanced down at her slender waist and long legs, which were not visible because she was dressed so conservatively. He tightened his arms around her and buried his face in her neck, greedily sucking on her skin.

It smells good.

Ning Yu was held tightly, and gasped. She couldn't help but push him away, "Get up."

Xie Xun wouldn't let go; his eyes, buried in her shoulder, were shrouded in shadow, their depths unreadable.

"If I don't contact you, are you planning to keep causing trouble for me indefinitely?"

Do we have to hug each other like this to talk? Ning Yu couldn't see his face, couldn't push him away, and frowned in anger.

"Didn't His Majesty banish me from Changxin Palace? I'm doing as you wish, not wanting to offend your eyes, so what are you doing here?"

These words sounded like a complaint to Xie Xun. He buried his face in her shoulder and tugged at his lips, "Who else should I look for during the New Year if not you?"

"---"

What are you doing here?

"Enjoy the scenery." Ning Yu's expression was indifferent. "Relax first."

Xie Xun didn't want to let go, so he hugged her and tried to touch her, pressing his body forward.

Ning Yu's originally pale face turned red with anger at his shamelessness. Was he not satisfied with sleeping with so many women? Why did he have to come and argue with her?

"Want to go for a walk with me?"

Ning Yu thought of the child in her womb and had no intention of trying to mend her relationship with him.

She was fed up with him using his power to oppress her, fed up with him always giving her a hard time and forcing her to submit whenever she didn't meet his expectations, and fed up with everyone in the palace coming to trample on her because she had fallen out of favor. She didn't want this life of constant fear and anxiety.

Xie Xun couldn't hear her voice, so he slowly loosened his grip on her and looked down at her face.

But as soon as he let go, Ning Yu tried to walk past him, but his face turned cold and he grabbed her wrist.

"Haven't you learned your lesson these past few days?"

The wind brushed past her hair as she coldly curled her lips, "Your Majesty, feel free to use any underhanded tricks you have."

Fine, she'd rather suffer than back down to him. Xie Xun wanted to talk to her nicely, but seeing her reckless attitude, he was too lazy to coax her and pulled her back with a forceful pull.

Ning Yu couldn't break free. Before she could make a move, he bent down, picked her up in his arms, and strode out.

"What are you doing? Put me down."

"I'll get you when I get back."

The harsh voice made Ning Yu so angry that she wanted to slap him. The latter seemed to have guessed what she was going to do and suddenly lifted her up.

She was startled and instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.

That beast.